High & Low EQ only! (What do I do ?)

[cjacek]

Hello,

I'm just wondering if there is a way to use the Low and High EQ (no mid eq) to reduce the mids (to much presence on backing tracks) ?

Thanks,

Daniel

 

[Dom Franco]

Just lower the high EQ a bit!

Better yet, buy a mixer with more EQ, or a separate Graphic EQ that you can patch in where you need it.

BTW it is usually better to cut EQ than boost, to reduce adding extra noise.

Dom

 

[acorec]

Hello,

I'm just wondering if there is a way to use the Low and High EQ (no mid eq) to reduce the mids (to much presence on backing tracks) ?

Thanks,

Daniel

Yes, just cut the high or low EQ or both. In the future, you may want a parametric EQ. This type of EQ will narrow in to exactly the frequeny(s) that are offending your sound.

 

[cjacek]

Ok, thank you very much guys!

Daniel

 

[TexRoadkill]

Actually if you want to cut the mids then boost the highs and lows and turn down the volume.

 

[cjacek]

Actually if you want to cut the mids then boost the highs and lows and turn down the volume.

Really ? I've heard some people say that too. How does that work though, on a technical level - why would boosting the highs and lows while turning the vol down lower the mids ? What's the technical explanation ?

Thanks,

Daniel

 

[A Reel Person]

The Tascam PE-40, 4-band/4-channel fully parametric EQ is a nice find,...

when you can find one.

Anyway, weren't you on a 424mkIII,... or did you hop over to a TEAC Model 5, or something? I can't remember.

 

[TexRoadkill]

Really ? I've heard some people say that too. How does that work though, on a technical level - why would boosting the highs and lows while turning the vol down lower the mids ? What's the technical explanation ?

Thanks,

Daniel

Because all an EQ does is raise the volume over a specific fequency range. If you raise the Hi and Lo then the mids are relatively lower in comparison. If you then lower that track volume the Hi and Lo will be close to their original level but the mids will be relatively lower than their original volume.

 

[cjacek]

Because all an EQ does is raise the volume over a specific fequency range. If you raise the Hi and Lo then the mids are relatively lower in comparison. If you then lower that track volume the Hi and Lo will be close to their original level but the mids will be relatively lower than their original volume.

Ok, thanks for the good explanation. I guess then that when basic eq (high & low) and no automated compression was used, as in many decades ago, that many engineers got very creative with what they had. Still, ain't it amazing that with all those limitations they were able to produce some of the best recordings that are out-there! Sometimes it begs to go back and record as they did for the creativity that had to be there.

Daniel

 

[TexRoadkill]

Sometimes it begs to go back and record as they did for the creativity that had to be there.

Actually the best sounding stuff is still recorded exactly the same way. EQ is for fixing mistakes not sound sculpting. It can be used that way but only if you want an artificial sound. Anytime you process your audio in anyway it degrades it to some extent so choose wisely how you mess with it. The less you touch it the more presence and life it will have.

As a general rule limit your EQing to bass roll offs and very slight high boosts if you really need it. Your monitors and room will greatly alter how you think something sounds and if you make all your EQ decisions in a poor environment you are guaranteed to screw things up. When in doubt don't use EQ.